B F Skinner's Behaviourism Theory

Parents have known for a long time that children respond to rewards/punishments. This is the basic idea that underpins Skinner's theories.

Skinner's best acclaimed work is based on reinforcement, both positive and negative.

Skinner argued that the chain of behaviour - consequence does not need to be repeated to have an effect; the reaction to a familiar stimulus is immediate. This is operant behaviour / operant conditioning.